An Unexpected Find at the Coastline

I was with a family party at the Royal Sonesta San Juan recently. There's plenty of delicious food to be had at the various coastline hotels, not to mention Old San Juan nearby. We ate at Sottovento Ristorante, a delicious Italian spot at our hotel, three times in a week, though—it was just that good.

Feels Like a Classic Already

Admittedly, we did not expect fine Italian dining in Puerto Rico. When traveling, though, one should always be open to being pleasantly surprised. And this place was a truly pleasant surprise. It's a new restaurant, but the food and service are so well done that it seems like an old favorite. And after we kept reappearing, the waitstaff remembered us, and we felt like regulars.

Italian Vibes, Caribbean Charm

Just as in Italy, the staff is friendly but not overbearing—you're welcome to linger over your drink at the end of the meal. Speaking of drinks, the wine list is extensive and very good.

What We Loved, Loved, Loved

We tried and shared a number of dishes over our stay. We loved the purple potatoes with caviar, and loved the burrata with pumpkin, arugula, and pomegranate, and loved the pappardelle with ragu (slow-cooked pork, beef, and sausage). We loved the ceti al pesto, and loved the branzino with tomatoes, capers, and olives, and loved the fettuccine with mascarpone, leeks, and Parma ham, and loved the pineapple carpaccio at the end—a taste of tropical sweetness. Were we to go a few more times, no doubt we'd find some other dishes to love. I hope very much to go back.

Inside Tip

The chef, Christian Darcoli, is from Liguria, Italy, but has been in Puerto Rico since the 1990s, and so cooks classic Italian dishes but incorporates local produce—it's a delicious combination.

About Me

Laura LaVelle is Wonder Shuffle's Culture Editor. A fan of the great indoors, you can find her in her native NYC, her home in Connecticut, or at a concert, play, library, bookstore, or museum just about anywhere in the world.

Contact

Address: Royal Sonesta San Juan, 5961 Avenue Isla Verde, Carolina

Telephone: 787-988-7771 

Hours: 5pm to 10pm daily

Images

Sottovento Ristorante PR / Facebook